Composting

Forest Ave. School celebrated Earth Day on 2012 by holding three SCA hands-on Composting Presentations for all students, from Kindergarten through 4th Grade. You can view the pdf version HERE. Composting is nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. The children learned how to reduce waste and save money by composting food and yard waste. During the program they ate fruits and collected their banana peels, apple cores, watermelon rinds, etc. Later on all students visited the school's compost bin to contribute their food waste. The final product, a natural fertilizer, will be used in the school's gardens. Pictured, 4th Grade teacher Mrs. Gero with students visiting the school compost bin. For more information please read ourcomposting page.

Safe Playing Fields

Pictured left, Verona Community Center's Linn Drive Field, which is treated regularly with synthetic pesticides since 2010. Pictured below, a student at Forest Avenue School untreated field. All Verona public elementary school fields are pesticide free.The American Academy of Pediatrics just published a report about Pesticide Exposure in Children.

VEC Resolution

Following the example of the Essex County Environmental Commission, the VEC adopted this resolution on November 26, 2012: Open VEC Safe Playing Fields Resolution Over 50 legislators signed on to co-sponsor the Safe Playing Fields Act (S1143 / A2412) this year. READ MORE HERE

Making Verona Fields Pesticide–Free

During that the Verona Council Meeting on July 16 Mike Kolenut (pesticide-free turf expert) was introduced by Jim Cunningham (Director of the Recreation Department) to talk about switching from chemical based lawn care to natural lawn care. He explained that fields will be perfectly safe to use right away after natural treatment. He show pictures of some of the 36 playing fields and 8 school districts they maintain totally organically in NJ. Here is an article about it in theVerona Patch.The Council mentioned that they would meet with the BOE to talk about having one shared natural-organic contract for all public areas in town. We encourage you to keep our community safe by maintaining your lawn with natural and organic products. The VEC also recommends the Township to support the Safe Playing Fields Act to help protect children from toxic pesticides. The VEC Chairman, Jerry Shimonaski urged the Council to prohibit the use of pesticides where children play in public areas, this was his presentation:

"Tonight you heard what Organic Lawn Care is all about. The Verona Environmental Commission has been an advocate of this type of lawn care for several years. At the May 6 meeting this Council received a plea from Nina Machnowski to make our playing fields pesticide-free. The Councils response was that you were interested in the safety of the children using our recreational fields. This township has plans to expand the recreational fields in the next several years. Now is the time for this Mayor and Council to step forward and join the 40 plus towns and many schools to make our playing fields pesticide-free.

Our children are especially sensitive and vulnerable to pesticides because of their rapid development. Adverse health effects, such as nausea, dizziness, respiratory problems, headaches, rashes and mental disorientation may appear even if a pesticide is applied according to the labels' directions. Pesticide exposure can have long term adverse effects including damage to a child’s neurological, respiratory, immune and endocrine systems and increased asthma symptoms.

These chemicals can also poison animals, pollute rivers and seep through the ground into underground aquifers. Currently, New Jersey uses about four million pounds of pesticides annually for lawn care, mosquito control, agricultural production and golf maintenance. While we all appreciate well kept fields, we need to balance that with not exposing our children to the risk of harmful pesticides. Please make the right decision and make our fields “pesticide–free”.

Pesticides have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, learning disabilities, asthma, birth defects, and reproductive problems, and children are more vulnerable than adults. The Safe Playing Fields Act would finally end the use of harmful chemicals on playgrounds and fields where our kids play. Sustainable, pesticide free care methods cost less over time, are effective, and are healthier for both the landscape and our children. Forty towns in NJ have created Pesticide Free Zones in their communities. Bergen Community College recently announced it is switching to a natural turf management program to create lush, playable fields without the use of synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers. The Millburn Environmental Commission held screenings of the award-winning documentary A Chemical Reaction. In June 2012, Montclair Town Council unanimously passed a Resolution in support of NJ legislation "Safe Playing Act" and prohibiting use of toxic synthetic lawn pesticides where children play in public areas.

Caution, Pesticides!

Verona
is a pioneer on Integrated Pest Managment (approving an IPM resolution 15 years ago). Since 2004, all New Jersey
schools have been required to adopt an IPM
program. The School IPM Law keeps students and staff safe from
pesticides by mandating to use the safest methods available and emphasizing a non chemical approach. Verona schools adhere to IPM practices. But pesticides are still used in Verona

But each year, New Jersey homeowners use approximately 2 million pounds of pesticides on their lawns. Researchers, however, have found links between exposure to pesticides and serious human health problems including several types of cancer, asthma, neurological and reproductive disorders and birth defects. Children are especially vulnerable to pesticides because their bodies are developing.

Learn how to kick the pesticide habit! There are many new and highly effective natural/organic lawn care products and programs that are safe for families and pets.
Learn about the health risks of conventional lawn chemicals by reading our new presentationWHY SHOULD VERONA AVOID PESTICIDES?

What is "people pollution"?

Nonpoint
Source Pollution, or
people pollution, is a contamination of our ground water, waterways, and ocean that results from everyday activities
such as fertilizing the lawn, walking pets, changing motor oil and littering.
With each rainfall, pollutants generated by these activities are washed into
storm drains that flow into our waterways and ocean. They also can soak into the
ground contaminating the ground water below.

Fertilizers

You should be aware that phosphate (the middle
number describing the fertilizer blend) turns our lakes green, lowers
water quality, kills fish and ultimately depresses the economy. Just one pound of phosphate can produce 10,000 pounds of wet weeds and algae! Here is a list of Low Phosphate fertilizers and better yet Organic Fertilizers such as Milorganite.

Did you hear of the dead zone? It is an area the size of New Jersey in the Gulf of Mexico where
nothing can live due to the nitrogen and phosphate from fertilizers
polluting the runoff flowing into the Mississippi River. Whatever you
use, apply them properly and carefully, many yard chemicals are viable
for years. Visit Clean Water NJ for more information.

NJ Fertilizer Law

The New Jersey Fertilizer Law, A2290,
establishes statewide fertilizer standards and requires professional
fertilizer applicators to undergo training and become certified. It
prohibits fertilizer application during or just before heavy rainfall
and limits the time that fertilizer can be used. Fertilizer may not be
applied from November 15th to March 1st for consumers, and December 1st
to March 1st for professionals.

It also restricts the amount of
nitrogen used and fertilizer content. Fines for noncompliance are $500
for the 1st offense and up to $1000 for the 2nd and each subsequent
offense for professional applicators.

The Fertilizer Law is really about water quality. It
still allows you to feed your lawn, but in a way that avoids adverse
impact on NJ waters.

Rain Barrel Savings

A rain barrel placed below the downspout of a gutter lets you catch water as it pours off the roof instead of sending it into the storm sewer.

The average U.S. household uses almost 150,000 gallons of water per year with up to 50% of water going to landscaping during summer months.

Installing a rain barrel is one way to reduce outdoor water use by collecting water during the rainy season that can be used during droughts. By capturing water on a 1500 square foot roof, a family could reduce their water bill by 50% and save 43,000 gallons of water yearly.

A typical rain barrel holds 50 to 100 gallons and has a faucet at the bottom where a hose can be attached. A plastic screen over the top opening prevents mosquitoes from setting up housekeeping inside.

Some models can be easily linked so that the overflow from one barrel runs into the next. One-inch storm produces over 500 gallons of water on a 1,000 square foot roof.

When the barrels are full, the overflow is directed back through the downspout and down its normal route. If possible, route the overflow into a dry well or other infiltration mechanism so that the water can recharge into the ground rather than flow into the storm sewer.

In honor of Earth Day the Commission hosted a tree seedling giveaway and cleanup at Grove Park on April 30th. The tree giveaway was open to all NJ residents as part of the New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign. Seedlings included Red Oaks, Flowering Dogwoods and Douglas Fir trees. The commission worked with the municipal government and the DEP to distribute 150 free trees with planting instructions. The VEC also organized a cleanup with volunteers to keep the park and nature preserve safe for people and wildlife. Thank you all!

VEC Petition:Verona residents Rose Saltalamacchia and Gabby Discafani presented the petition Verona-NJ Safe Playing Fields at the December 17th, 2012 Council Meeting. Over 200 Verona residents signed the petition, in person and on-line. In the document the Verona Environmental Commission asked Verona Town Council and Board of Education to stop using toxic synthetic lawn pesticides on all school grounds and public sport fields where children play. Councilmen Sniatkowski and Nochimson called for a two to three year commitment of pesticide free, organic field maintenance. Councilman Ryan mentioned the need to include the BOE in this commitment. All councilmen agreed and the VEC congratulates them all for it! The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published a report about Pesticide Exposure in Children.Pesticides can cause cancer, learning disabilities, asthma, birth defects and reproductive problems, and should not be applied just for the sake of cosmetic appearances. Pictured, gorgeous Bergen Community College sport field maintained without pesticides.

Pictured, a gorgeous Bergen Community College sport field, maintained without pesticides.

Playing fields can be effectively maintained without pesticides: None are used on Verona Park or at our four public elementary schools. But since 2010 pesticides are applied regularly at HBW, VHS, the Community Center and Everett fields. To increase our children’s risk for getting cancer because we don’t like dandelions? That’s outrageous. Pesticides should not be applied just for the sake of cosmetic appearances. There are plenty of natural and safe techniques to maintain fields without using synthetic pesticides. The Verona Environmental Commission is asking Verona Town
Council and BOE to stop using synthetic lawn pesticides on all
school grounds and public sport fields. Pesticides should be allowed
only in case of emergencies that pose a public health problem.

Proper Lawn Care

With
these methods you will mow less, water less, never buy pesticides and
have a great looking lawn. You want to make things favorable for the
grass and unfavorable for the weeds so the grass will choke out the
weeds. Naturally.

Must Do

Mow high. Set your mower as high as it goes (3 to 4
inches). Never remove more than one third of the grass blade. A taller
cut helps shade out weeds and conserve moisture. Grass needs grass
blades to do photosynthesis (convert sunshine into sugar) to feed the
roots. When you mow low the grass has to rush and grow fast to make more
sugar. This fast growth weakens the plant making it vulnerable to disease and pests! Tall grass
can use the extra sugar to make more grass plants (rhizomes), thickening
the turf.

If you have a serious weed infestation mow twice as frequently.
The sensitive growing point for grass is near the soil and for weeds is
near the top of the plant. So when you mow high you are giving your
grass a haircut and cutting the heads off of the weeds.

Leave grass clippings on the soil. They will decay to become a
source of free fertilizer. This adds organic matter and nutrients back
into the soil. The clippings then won’t have to be dragged out to the
street using bags. If you don't leave the clippings, your soil will
begin to look more like "dirt" than soil.

Water infrequently and for longer periods. Water only when
your grass shows signs of drought stress. The grass will start to curl
before it turns brown. When it starts to curl, that is the best time to
water. And then water deeply (put a cup in your sprinkler zone and make
sure it gets at least an inch of water). This will force your grass
roots to go deep into the soil. Every time you water, you wash away soil
nutrients. So the less you water, the more fertile your soil!

Optional

Fertilizer. When you see legumes taking over your lawn
(clover,
medic, etc.), you know that your soil is nitrogen poor. Sprinkle an
organic fertilizer at the beginning of spring and
the beginning of fall. Some experts suggest to use half of what the
package recommends. Fertilizing in the summer feeds the weeds, not the
grass.

Compost. If
your soil already seems like dirt or cement, add an inch of compost in
the early fall. One part compost to two parts dirt is a good mix for
lawn care.

Why organic fertilizers? Nearly all chemical fertilizers
are a salt. As you use it, year after year, your soil becomes poorer and
poorer. Healthy soil is loaded with heaps of microbial and macrobial
life. Most of these critters are working hard for your grass. Most of
those critters don't like salt. By not using pesticides you will also be
giving many living things such
as butterflies and bees a chance to do all that hard work of
pollinating.

DANDELIONS are a sign of alkaline soil and love a pH of about 7.5. Grass loves a pH of about 6.5. BLACK MEDIC (yellow clover) and CLOVER are
a sign of low nitrogen soil. Refer to fertilizing above. White and pink
clover is often desired in a lawn. It contributes nitrogen to the soil
and doesn't compete strongly with the grass. KNAPWEED tries to
poison plants around it with niacin. A little water washes the niacin
away and the plants around it can have a fighting chance. Mow a little
more frequently in late june and early july to wipe out knapweed.

How much top soil do you have? See how deep a shovel will
go into the soil. Four inches of topsoil will make for an okay lawn.
Eight or more inches of topsoil will make for a great lawn. Deep
watering should be done only in conjunction with deep soil.

Weeds: The above lawn care advice will eliminate 95% of
your weed problem. But there are some weeds that are almost impossible
to get rid of, no matter what. The key is to remove the green plant that
provides
it with sugar. The important thing is to always weed the area you
already weeded first. If you don’t do it this way, then the weed would
recover in the first section while you are attacking another section.

Rain Gardens Catch Runoff

Anoher way to reduce runoff in your yard is to plant a rain garden.

A rain garden is a shallow (2"-18") depression typically planted with
colorful native plants, strategically located to collect, infiltrate and
filter rain that falls on hard surfaces like roofs, driveways, or
streets. This reduces rain runoff by allowing stormwater to soak into
the ground (as opposed to flowing into storm drains and surface waters
which causes erosion, water pollution, flooding, and diminished
groundwater).

Whether in the shade or
full sun, native plants work best because they thrive without a lot of
care, extra water or fertilizer. Avoid invasive plant species such as Norway Maple, English Ivy, Wisteria and Bamboo.

Many billions of dollars are spent in the United States to control problem species.Rain
barrels and other measures to reduce stormwater runoff benefit
everyone. Untreated stormwater picks up a lot of pollutants as it rushes
over the ground, and it all ends up in our streams and rivers where it
can harm natural ecosystems and degrade our drinking water supplies.

Visit the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, ANJEC for more information about stormwater runoff. Are you ready to build your own rain Garden? If so go to Rutgers Water Resource Program.

Verona Loves Trees

Plant a Tree!

If you have questions regarding public trees or would like to request Verona Township to plant one in front of your home for free please contact the Verona Shade Tree Commission by calling 973-857-4804 (8:30 am - 4:30 pm) or 973-239-5000 (after normal office hours). You can also refer to the tree legislation contained on line in the Verona Township Code.

Among
the thousands of trees in Verona are dozens of different varieties,
from red oaks to pin oaks, beeches and birches, sycamores and tulip
trees, locusts and maples. Some of these trees have been here since long
before Verona was a township.

Many of Verona's trees are on private property, but those planted on the
median between your sidewalk and the street are public shade trees.
These trees are protected by code in Verona: Homeowners and utility
workers may not touch them without the express permission of Verona's
Shade Tree Commission. You should also report storm damage to these
trees.

There are hundreds of great reasons to protect, care and plant trees. Here are some:

Trees reduce our carbon footprint.
Over the course of its life, a single tree will process one ton of
carbon dioxide. That's only about 5% of your annual footprint, so the
more we plant, the better!

Trees lower energy costs.
Suburban neighborhoods with mature trees can be up to 11 degrees cooler
in summer heat than neighborhoods without trees. The shade and wind
buffering provided by trees reduces heating and cooling costs. To
increase your air conditioner energy efficiency by 10%, use trees to
shade your AC unit.

Trees provide cleaner water,
and are most effective at reducing runoff pollution during small
storms. A single tree can capture in its canopy 2380 gallons of water a
year, and release it, clean and fresh, back into the atmosphere.

Trees prevent erosion.
Tree roots hold topsoil in place, which prevents erosion and flooding.
That's critical in a town like Verona, which is essentially two steep
slopes with a valley and stream in between. Trees protect buildings from
wind damage and flying debris by acting as windbreaks.

Trees improve air quality.
A mature tree can remove up to 240 lbs of particulate and gas pollution
in a year. Tree canopies in cities can also lower smog levels by 6%. A
single tree produces approximately 260 pounds of oxygen per year. That
means two mature trees can supply enough oxygen annually to support a
family of four!

The above pictured tree in
Verona Civic Center has a plaque with the following words: "In Honor of
Aurora C. Nash, friend of Verona trees, Arbor Day 1987". We're lucky to
have many trees in Verona and, if we care for them, they will care for
us in return!